Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Aggression
The socialist regime has blamed the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official statement, the government stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Caracas called on the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described experiencing at least several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in various neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes come after a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
